This isn't my "opinion," these are the facts. For opinions, you can
find numerous people who say that the bendy is hard to sail to its
potential, and requires high skills of both helm and crew. You're the
one who claimed the rating is actually too low and "average" skippers
have trouble winning because of that.


Here are some "facts" for you, Jeff. Do with them as you wish.
The Catalina has less sail area than the 35s5 and displaces 2000 lbs
more. The 1st series hull has less wetted surface as well. I have a
nice Catalina 34 here that I've sailed plenty of times and I sailed
Catalina 36's on a few occasions. Catalina 36 SA/D is 16.99. They are
not terrible in light air...maybe a bit worse than my Pearson 30 was.
Unlike you I've sailed the boats being discussed. It was a light air
sail on the 35s5 near Oyster Bay that sealed the deal. Keep in mind
that we also sailed the J34c, which we found comparable in light
air...and rated the same. If you think a Catalina 36 can outrun a 35s5
or J34c there's simply no hope for you, dude. Hey, but if warms your
heart any, the Catalina backs up better!
You can crunch numbers until you turn blue, read comments and race
committee evaluations. None of that effects the truth of the matter as
indicated by owners and someone who's actually SAILED the boats...which
I have posted warts and all. I'm not surprised that a performance boat
has to be sailed well to achieve it's potential, but I could see how it
would worry you!
Let us know when you get some real experience with any of these boats.

RB
35s5
NY